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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Post rectocele repair surgery left hip flexion pain
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Post rectocele repair surgery left hip flexion pain
by Medicaleee, Oct 28, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Doctor:
I underwent rectocele repair (posterior vaginal wall) surgery about 9 weeks ago (8/22/03). I was in the lithotomy position in candy-cane stirrups for about 1-1/2 hours. After being in bed for a week or so, I attempt to go back to work (desk job). I strained my piriformis muscles and had to stay in bed for another week. I then underwent physical therapy for my lower back for 2 weeks, which completely resolved. Three weeks after the surgery (during P.T.), I began waking up in the middle of the night and each morning unable to flex my left hip. It feels like it tightens up during the night and a sharp pain prevents me from flexing my hip. Sometimes it radiates down to underneath my knee cap, hurting when I extend my knee. It takes me a few minutes to "work it out" by forcing my hip to bend, then I'm fine during the day. For the past 2 months, it has not gotten any better. My family doctor ordered an x-ray of my hip which was negative. No-one has heard of my problem. Could this be femoral nerve damage/irritation due to my surgery? And should I see a neurologist or wait a few months to see if it resolves on its own?
Thank you very much for your kind assistance.
Marianne
I underwent rectocele repair (posterior vaginal wall) surgery about 9 weeks ago (8/22/03). I was in the lithotomy position in candy-cane stirrups for about 1-1/2 hours. After being in bed for a week or so, I attempt to go back to work (desk job). I strained my piriformis muscles and had to stay in bed for another week. I then underwent physical therapy for my lower back for 2 weeks, which completely resolved. Three weeks after the surgery (during P.T.), I began waking up in the middle of the night and each morning unable to flex my left hip. It feels like it tightens up during the night and a sharp pain prevents me from flexing my hip. Sometimes it radiates down to underneath my knee cap, hurting when I extend my knee. It takes me a few minutes to "work it out" by forcing my hip to bend, then I'm fine during the day. For the past 2 months, it has not gotten any better. My family doctor ordered an x-ray of my hip which was negative. No-one has heard of my problem. Could this be femoral nerve damage/irritation due to my surgery? And should I see a neurologist or wait a few months to see if it resolves on its own?
Thank you very much for your kind assistance.
Marianne
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Oct 29, 2003 12:00AM
A nerve injury from the surgery should have presented itself shortl after the surgery, not 3 weeks later. I think seeing a neurologist is a good idea. You are correct that the pain and muscles involved appear to be within the femoral nerve region. What needs to be sorted out, is if this is a problem in the peripheral nerve or perhaps in the spinal cord. A neurologist can thoroughly evaluate this problem. Good luck.